Redosier Dogwood

General 
Scientific Name: Cornus sericea 
Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood) 
Hardiness: Zone 2 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Shrub 

Growth 
Rate: Fast 
Mature Height: >7’ 
Longevity: Short 
Power Line: Yes 

Ornamental 
Flowers: White to cream 
Fruit: White Fall 
Color: Purple

An open, spreading, multi-stemmed, medium to large shrub with horizontal branches at the base. Freely stoloniferous as it spreads by natural layering of lower, relatively prostrate stems. Dark, bloodred bark provides winter color. Responds well to rejuvenation pruning when overgrown as it will resprout from roots.

Light: Full sun to part shade. 
Water: Medium to high. 
Soil: Tolerates a wide range including wet.

Several cultivated varieties are available, including: 

‘Bergeson Compact’ Dogwood - Superior red twigs; fall color and density. 
‘Cardinal’ Dogwood - Coral-red twigs; fall color and density of mediocre quality. 
‘Isanti’ Dogwood - A multi-stem shrub with a dense, compact habit. 
‘Silver and Gold’ or ’Ivory Halo’ Dogwood - Variegated leaves and yellow twigs. 
‘Yellowtwig’ Dogwood - Yellow stems, often sunscald in winter.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Redosier Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Redosier Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Redosier Dogwood